Interactive optical cards and other hand-held devices with increased connectivity

ABSTRACT

A system for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals by a hand-held device, such as a smart card. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device. The auxiliary data is then detected in the modulated video signal by circuitry of the hand-held device. The user receives benefits resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/876,548, which is a Division of U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,282, filed onJan. 21, 2000, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/116,866, filed Jan. 22, 1999 and to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/151,840, filed Sep. 1, 1999, all of which areherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interactive hand-held devices, and moreparticularly to methods and apparatuses for receiving and decodingmodulated signals, for use by a hand-held devices and receiving benefitsfrom receptions of the signals.

The hand-held devices receive modulated video signals for purposesincluding enjoyment, promotion, transfer of information, datacollection, commercial verification, security, education, andtransactions or verifications at points of sale, as well as othercommercial, personal, entertainment, or amusement purposes. Data may besent to the hand-held device by optical or electrical means. Data may bereceived by the hand-held device by utilizing a sleeve, cradle, ordocking station; through an optical lens, by use of a PCMCIA oralternate computer port, or by FM, AM, or other radio frequency means.Use of the device may allow users to receive promotional opportunitiesand other information including access to hotel rooms and facilities.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,031 Broughton et al. (“Broughton”) titled“Interactive Video Method and Apparatus” relates generally to in-bandvideo broadcasting of commands and other encoded information tointeractive devices. The invention described therein relates generallyto interactive educational and entertainment systems, and is describedin one embodiment in the context of television program control of toyslocated where there is a television receiver, as within a residence.

To encode control data capable of providing a benefit to a user,Broughton discloses a novel method of luminance or chrominancemodulation of a video signal that creates a composite video signal,whereby the control data is created by modulating the video signal. Thenovel modulation method alternately raises and lowers theluminance/chrominance of adjacent horizontal scan lines to create avideo subcarrier that contains the control data.

Under Broughton, the video signal is not being replaced with other data,nor is the data being added as a separate signal along with the videosignal, rather, the video signal itself is modulated to subsequentlycreate the control data. Therefore, the control data is a part of, orcontained within, the video signal. The encoding method also includespreview and remove circuitry to ensure suitability or the presence ofdata encoding and removal of data encoding, respectively.

The control data is transmitted either by television broadcast means, orby pre-recorded video players that are connected to a video display. Thecontrol data is then received by the video display where a video fieldof the video display is modulated by control (i.e. auxiliary) data. Thecontrol data is then detected with either opto-electronic or RF (radiofrequency) detection means that discriminate the program material fromthe control data. The detected control data is further reproduced suchthat the control data can be used with an interactive device.

A practical example of a device as described above is thecommercially-sold hand-held game device for receiving and detecting suchcontrol data has been called the “Wheel of Fortune” ITV Play-Along Game,intended to be used at while viewing a television program presentationof the famous television show of the same name. The device, producedunder license by the assignee of Broughton, was a palm-sized device andincluded a photosensor within a case of the device that received thevideo signals. The device then discriminated control data from the videoprogram material and caused an LCD display device on the face panel ofthe toy to present portions of a word puzzle, allowing the holder of thedevice to play the game along with a contestant or to play in responseto a videotaped presentation of the game. The “Wheel of Fortune”interactive television (ITV) game together with its hand-held controldevice including keyboard was commercially available in 1988.

An improvement on the method of modulation described in Broughton isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,228 Ciardullo et al. In Ciardulloimproved methods of modulation are disclosed. Data is inserted on thevisual portion of a video signal by changing the luminance of pairedlines in opposite directions, thus allowing allow larger amounts of datato be modulated in a signal. Broughton and Ciardullo are bothincorporated by reference herein.

Efforts by others to provide hand-held devices capable of receivingtransmission of modulated data from a video display are represented byU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,594,493; 5,761,601; 5,767,896, 5,907,350, and5,953,047. Of these, U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,350 discloses a method forstoring data on a so-called smart card, which is contended to receive,decode and store encoded data signals comprising redeemable coupons saidto be embedded within television segments and transmitted along withnormal television segments. The device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,350 is ahand-held unit that receives luminance signals from the televisiondisplay in accordance with the principles of Broughton. The receivedvideo signals are decoded and stored within the card for future use. AnLCD (liquid crystal display) readout enables Universal Price Codes(“UPC”) corresponding to the stored data. A scanner reads the UPC codesat a redemption site, and the stored coupon is then erased from a memoryof the card. A microprocessor channels the decoding and storage aspects,and a keypad allows use and input.

The term “smart card” as used in the above patents, connotes ahand-held, portable device, not conceptually different from theabove-mentioned “Wheel of Fortune” ITV game device. However, the termdoes not only apply to those patents.

As a generic term, “smart card” gradually has come to mean a card thatlooks like a credit card but includes a microchip or microprocessorembedded or incorporated into the card. The smart card may be referredto as a “fingerheld” computer, typically including a data storage mediaranging from less than a kilobyte up to a megabyte (if not more), andare said to have originated in France. Ognibene, P. J., “Card Smarts,”Technology Decisions (July, 1999). Smart cards may, according to a lineof reference, also be called “chip cards.”

For purposes of the present invention, the term “interactive card” meansan interactive device of portable character, preferably of hand-heldtype which may be carried in the palm by a user, between fingers of theuser, or is otherwise intended to be easily grasped and handled manuallyby the user, including credit card-like devices. To the extent that theyare used in the present description relative only to inventions hereindisclosed and/or claimed, the terms “hand-held device,” “interactivedevice,” “card,” “interactive card,” “smart card,” “optical card,” areused interchangeably.

The term “sponsor” is used herein in its broadest possible sense, andmay include without limitation entities that issue the hand-held devicesand entities that accept them or provide redemption services for usersof the cards. Sponsors may also include health care and medicalinstitutions and other service or eleemosynary organizations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the several objects, features and advantages of the invention maybe noted the provision of interactive hand-held devices for carrying outvarious modes of novel and commercially advantageous signaling,information-transferring, and value-indicating methods. The hand-helddevices typically take the shape of a card or card-like device, arereferred to throughout in this application as cards or smart cards.These hand-held devices react from the reception of auxiliary data fromsources including radio transmissions, computer systems, videorecordings, video transmissions or other sources for reproduction ofvideo, audio and/or other data. Cards, which preferably contain opticaldetection and decoding means, respond to composite video signals, from avideo display, comprising auxiliary data and continuous video programdata. All video displays, whether a television set or monitor,television-like, or image-presenting display device capable ofdisplaying an image containing a modulated video signal, may in thepresent specification be collectively referred to simply as “displaydevices.”

Signals are received, detected, and reproduced by the new hand-helddevices for various purposes including: enjoyment; promotion; coupon orprize validation; advertising by sponsors; advertising verification andpolling; transfer of information; data collection; commercialverification; security and access; education; game playing;transactions, verifications, or redemption by sponsoring entities orrelated commercial locations at points of sale including the Internet;other commercial and non-commercial purposes.

Transmission of auxiliary data to the card is encoded using a system ofvideo modulation, preferably as described in Broughton or Ciardullo, butalternatively by other known methods in the art including through theuse of the vertical-blanking interval (VBI). The video signal istransmitted to the display device by means of a broadcast, cable,satellite or home video.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention include:

A method of television interactive advertisement and promotion signaltransmission using interactive hand-held devices in such a manner thatboth the mode of transmission of information and the display of receivedinformation and/or value indicative thereof will attract viewers'attention, stimulate viewers to watch a transmission (which may becommercial advertising), and effectively entice viewers to respond andtake action in response to its reception, as well as achieving theforegoing usage purposes.

Thus, there is described herein a system which includes: A method ofsuch signal transmission that is cost effective, brand efficient, andfun for users of the new interactive hand-held devices;

A method of such signal transmission using interactive hand-held deviceswhich effectively increases customer awareness, retention, anddifferentiation of advertisers' messages and products;

A method of such signal transmission using video interactive hand-helddevices which allows viewers of television (or video) presentations,including advertising, to directly interact with the devices (such astelevision receiver or display);

A method of such signal transmission using interactive hand-held devicesthat builds store (point-of-sale) traffic, fosters consumer loyalty, andgives viewers a reason to pay more attention to a company's products,services and advertising;

A method of such signal transmission using video interactive hand-helddevices which allows viewers of television (or video) presentations,including advertising, to upload received information to a computerwhich displays and uses relevant Internet addresses, textual informationor code, and other promotional information usable by a computer orcomputer-like device; and

Interactive hand-held devices of the invention are intrinsically simple,effective and economical to make and distribute widely, and which arereliable and easy to use.

The following are merely illustrative of some of the advantages andobjects which the new system provides: television advertising responsedetermination; interactive advertising and promotions; attraction ofviewers' attention; effectively increase consumer awareness andretention of commercial advertising, messages, announcements,promotions, and specific products and services; increased customerdifferentiation of products and services; stimulation of viewers towatch commercials; increase of store traffic in response to commercialmessages; fostering of consumer loyalty; enhancement of viewerinvolvement in program content, including commercials; enhancement ofviewer retention of the content of commercial and other messages;enhancement of the value of commercial messages; increasedproduct/service sales; saving of advertising costs; acceleration ofresponse time of customers following delivery of commercial messages;verification of contests and awards; enhancement of viewer retention ofthe related website domain names; reduction of barriers related toe-commerce opportunities; additional and sometimes instant rewards andinformation obtainable via the Internet. The uses and advantages aremore fully developed in the following description.

Briefly, a system using interactive cards derives benefits from thereception of auxiliary data. Auxiliary data is encoded by modulation ofa video signal, thereby creating a composite video signal consisting ofauxiliary data and continuous video program data. The composite videosignal is transmitted to and displayed by a display device.

The auxiliary data may be optically detected and extracted on the card.The user first positions the card so that the optical receiver of thecard is capable of receiving video signals from the display device. Thecard, when actuated, begins receiving video signals. Circuitry on thecard discriminates whether auxiliary data is present in the videosignals (i.e., where the video signals received are composite videosignals). If auxiliary data is present, the card reproduces theauxiliary data for use by the card.

The auxiliary data may also be detected and electronically extractedfrom the video signal by use of a decoder device. The decoder device hascircuitry similar to the card, as it discriminates whether auxiliarydata is present in the video signal. However, electronic wire transferof data is faster than the optical transmission and reception data canbe transmitted faster. The decoder device can be connected to the VCR,connected to an RF antennae, integrated into part of the circuitry ofthe television, or otherwise be connected so that the decoder device canreceive the video stream. The auxiliary data, when present, istransmitted from the decoder to the card. Transmission to the card canoccur through various methods, including IR, RF, and a computerinterface such as a PCMCIA port.

Among the several methods herein described may be noted a method ofvideo interactive advertising and promotion, comprising normaltelevision programming content modulated to contain auxiliary data,where the auxiliary data is associated with a sponsor and carriesinformation of special significance relative to the sponsor and ofspecial value to television viewers, distributing interactive devices ofhand-held character to television viewers for their use and convenience,the devices being capable of selectively receiving auxiliary data orreceiving and decoding composite video signals, providing incentives forviewers to use the interactive devices for obtaining the auxiliary databy rewarding the viewers with information of special value, theinteractive devices being capable of retaining indication of havingreceived the information, and providing redemption of the special valuefor users at a redemption site where users may present the interactivedevices.

When auxiliary data is reproduced by use of the card, various possiblesignals, indications, display readouts, or other interactive eventsprovide the user with a benefit according to content of the auxiliarydata. For example, a series of electroluminescent (EL) indicators mayoperate in sequence to signify coupon value. A liquid crystal display(LCD) readout or other visual displaying device may present informationto the user or give notice of value received. Bonus points may becollected and retained on the device. Text, code, or other data may betransferred to a connected computer for which information may bedisplayed or executed on that computer. In a use of the device inconjunction with a sports presentation, users may receive on the card'salphanumeric display current sports statistics, including exemplarity, abatter's batting statistics. In a use of the device in conjunction witha car racing presentation, users may receive on the card's alphanumericdisplay the lap data, position, speed of a race participant, or otherstatistics from a racing event. Such statistics may be delivered in realtime or delayed. In use of the device in conjunction with a hotel accesscard, additional access to rooms and facilities may then be availablefor the user, of which an indication may appear on the LCD.

The card may have additional capabilities, the use of which may bepreprogrammed or programmed via user input. Such capabilities mayinclude demographic or user information, which may be used in variousapplications of the card by a user or sponsor of the card. The card mayalso be used to make or facilitate purchases of items.

The exterior design of the card, containing indicia of recognizedathletes, teams, products or other figures, and the collection of datalocated on the card entice users to save, collect, and trade the cards,such as in a rotisserie league. The devices may simulate other hand-heldobjects, such as a snapshot-type cameras, replica sports helmets, orscaled racing cars.

Another feature of the present invention is the optional computerinterface. Thus the hand-held device, which may resemble a PCMCIA typecomputer card, contains means to connect to the Internet such as by useof a computer-compatible interface, which for convenience may bereferred to as a computer-interface card. Television viewers, uponwatching commercials, programs, or movies, can use the card to obtainopportunities for e-commerce or informational purposes. The informationis then transferred to computers or computer-like devices where it canbe used for informational or promotional opportunities. For example, atalk show may have a discussion about endangered animals. Informationalor promotional opportunities such as available books or videos relatingto those animals, along with information relating to how viewers canlearn more information from a given Internet website are transmitted incomposite video signals and may be received by a hand-held device.

The opportunities are transmitted with the composite video signal, andare preferably optically detected and reproduced by the hand-helddevice, and then transmitted to a computer by an interface. However, theauxiliary data may also be electrically detected by a decoder device,transferred to the card and discriminated, and then transferred again toa computer via an interface. Alternatively, received composite videosignals may be transmitted from the hand-held device to a computer by aninterface, where the auxiliary data is discriminated and theopportunities are then detected and reproduced by the computer. By anyof the methods described herein, the opportunities once available to thecomputer can be stored and used, such as for e-commerce or informationcollection.

When appropriately connected, the stored information from thecomputer-interface card is uploaded (when appropriate) to a computer forprocessing and fulfillment. The information received by the computerincludes a web page, Internet address or Uniform Resource Locator(“URL”), Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”) or similar textualinformation or code that can be displayed to or executed for a user.This information provides a means for the user to obtain benefitsthrough interactivity, and for the sponsor to provide promotionalinformation to the user.

Various other methods of the invention are set forth in the followingdescription and claims. Similarly, other objects and features will beapparent or are pointed out more particular herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating use of any ofseveral embodiments of an interactive card in accordance with andembodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective external view of a first embodiment of aninteractive card in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a second embodiment of an interactive cardof the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of another embodiment of aninteractive card of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of internal features of the interactivedevice of FIG. 4 of the embodiment of FIG. 4 showing an interactive cardof the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective external view of another embodiment of aninteractive card of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of internal features of the interactivedevice of FIG. 4 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing an interactive cardof the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of circuitry that may be used to providevarious embodiments having circuit features evident in this diagram.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of other circuitry that may be used toprovide various other embodiments.

FIG. 10A is an external view, from a user-opposite position, of onesurface of yet another embodiment of an interactive card of theinvention, termed a camera card, showing the camera-like surface of thecard during use.

FIG. 10B is reverse view of the camera card of FIG. 11A, showing anopposite surface of the card on which user display and controls areprovided.

FIG. 11A is an external view of another embodiment of an interactivecard or device of the invention, showing a surface of the card that iscamera-simulative as according to FIG. 10A, and where again the card ordevice simulates the form of a hand-held camera, and is also referred toas a camera card.

FIG. 11B is reverse view of the camera card of FIG. 11A, showing anopposite surface of the card on which user display and controls areprovided.

FIG. 12 is an external view of the camera card embodiments of FIGS. 10and 11, showing how the camera card is used, as by sighting through aviewfinder of the card.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of aninteractive card of the invention, and referred to as a sports card.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of other circuitry that may be used toprovide various other embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of other circuitry that may be used toprovide various other embodiments.

Corresponding reference characters identify corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in a system of the invention, and in accordancewith the various methods herein described, composite video signals arereceived and projected by a display device 10, to be received by a firstembodiment of an interactive hand-held card-like device of the invention12A. Display device 10 is representative of a television screen, videomonitor or other video display, movie screen, computer monitor,video-converted display or video-like display, capable of receivinganalog or digital video or video-representative signals from a suitablesource, such as a television transmitter, a videotape, streaming videoservers, a Digital Versatile Disc (“DVD”), or the computerized displayrepresentation of such a source of image content. For present purposes,however, it will be assumed that display device 10 is a kinescope orother conventional type of television display or monitor (which may, ofcourse, include multiple or single-beam types of projector displays).

Thus, display device 10 may schematically represent a video display fordisplaying video signals but may alternatively be any sort of electrongun, active array or passive array display device capable of providingnot only imaged information in a visible mode but also auxiliaryinformation (e.g., data) in a substantially transparent mode. Thedisplay device further be characterized as a computer monitor ordisplay, as well as a portion or window of such display device. Videosignals include those delivered by microwave relay, satelliteretransmission or cable, streaming and other types of downloadable orviewable computer video presentations, and those generally madeavailable by wired or wireless methods.

The new interactive hand-held device 12A may be in the form of a cardand can be referred to as a smart card, I.C. card, an interactive card,or optical card. Card 12A may be held in the palm or between the fingersof a user in the generally vicinity of television display 10, typicallywithin the same room and suitably oriented, so that the card can receivelight from a visual representation of the video signal from the displaydevice. Card 12A, when alternatively configured to receive other signalsincluding IR and RF transmissions from alternate devices, such as thedecoder device, should be suitably oriented or connected to receive theauxiliary data or other signals from such a device.

Card 12A is depicted in FIG. 2 in a manner in which it may be held andused. The card includes a credit card or wallet-card-sized housing 14that encloses various circuits and circuit components (“Circuitry”) ofthe device. Card 12A may be thicker than a credit card as desired or asneeded to contain within the enclosure 14 circuitry for carrying outfunctions as described below. Enclosure 14 may be of any hand-held shapedesired that is functional and hand manipulable, examples of whichinclude a PCMCIA card, snapshot-type camera, replica sports helmet, orscaled racing car.

On the front surface 16 of card 12A is an imprinted brand name of asponsor, and possibly information or indicia that may induce a user toassociate card 12A with a particular sponsor. Sponsors can includevarious entities such as advertisers, Internet websites, televisionshows, other occurrences, programs or events, for which use of the cardwill provide interactive opportunities. The sponsor may (alternativelyor additionally) be a company providing the card to a user of itsservice, such as a hotel or place of business that uses the card foraccess, privileges, and/or rewards.

A leading edge 18 of the card may include a lens or small aperture 36 toadmit video signals to a photosensor within enclosure 14, as isdescribed herein below. Visible from face 16 of the card are a pluralityof light-emitting devices 20 which may be light-admitting diodes (LEDs)or other electro luminescent light sources, including, for example,regions of a LCD of either active or passive type. The cards havevarious users controls and may include a keypad or touch screen to allowuser input for specific functions and additional uses.

A typical manner in which the card is used and the lights are operatedis as follows: A user watches a television presentation such as acommercial, television program, movie, or other video-displayed program.When such a presentation is displayed, the user may then hold the cardas in FIG. 2. The user positions the card so that the leading edge 18 ofthe card will be in a position for receiving video signals from displaydevice 10. The card or display device may have indicia informing theviewer to press the pressure membrane or button 22 at a preferred time,such as when a commercial of a sponsoring entity appears. Although theterm “button” is used herein, it is considered to include membraneswitches, pressure or touch regions capable of activation and carryingout the function of a button. When the user presses button 22, the videosignal will be detected and received by a photodetector (the process tobe described below) within enclosure 14. The composite video signalcomprises a video signal modulated with auxiliary data, in accordancewith the teaching of the above-referenced Broughton and/or Ciardulloeach of which are herein incorporated by reference. A discriminator,implemented by circuitry of the card, determines whether auxiliary datahas been transmitted along with the video signal of the presentation.

Alternatively, the received video signals may be sent through aninterface (to be described below) of the card to a computer orcomputer-like device where the discrimination of auxiliary data may beimplemented in the computer's hardware or software. As a furtheralternative, the video signals can be electrically detected and receivedby a decoder device, which will then discriminate the auxiliary data andtransfer it to the card.

If the discriminator determines that the transmitted video signalscontain auxiliary data, the circuitry of the card 12A may then(additionally or alternatively to the aiming light 24) cause an audiotransducer 34 present on the printed circuit board to sound a tone or“beep”, providing assurance that the auxiliary data has been receivedsatisfactorily. A suitable aperture may be provided on the front or rearsurface of the card to allow sound to pass from the transducer.

The circuitry of the card may also cause operation of one or more oflights 20 to indicate a value (whether it be a discount, prize, coupon,or item) that has been received. For example, one light may entitle theuser to a free beverage at a sponsor's store location. Two lights mayindicate a substantially larger coupon value, such as a twelve-pack of abeverage. A coupon value causing three lights 20 to be illuminated mayindicate entitlement to a grand prize, such as a free supply of abeverage for the lifetime of the user. The term “light” is intended tomean any kind of display useful for conveying a signaling or indicatingpurpose visible to the user.

It is also possible to use the card display lights in alternativemethods to confer benefits from reception of auxiliary data. Forexample, different colored lights may be used, with each colorrepresenting a different prize or different value. Alternatively, thecard may be programmed to operate so that a light 20 shows each time adifferent commercial of a sponsoring entity is shown, so the user willhave inducement to watch multiple commercials to be entitled to a prizeor benefit.

Referring to FIG. 2, an external view of a further embodiment of thecard 12A′ is shown. It includes signal lights 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 din a sequenced array. The card and its lights 20 a-20 d operates in thefollowing manner:

During a commercial or at the appropriate time, a user pushes button 22to receive video signals by a preconfigured card. If the appropriateauxiliary data was present in the received video signal, the card thenvalidates the receipt of the auxiliary data by illuminating a firstlight 20 a. During a further commercial a second light 20 b illuminates.During a third commercial a third light 20 c illuminates, and during afourth commercial presentation, light 20 d illuminates. The user maythen appropriately present the card at a vendor location, redemptioncenter, or Internet website to determine if the card is one for which aspecial prize is to be awarded. If the card does not entitle the user tothe special prize card, a consolation or alternative prize can be madeavailable. A different variation of illumination of signal lights 20a-20 d may entitle the user to alternate consolation or other prize.

Alternatively, the lights may work in the following manner: During eachquarter of play, when a commercial appears the user may press button 22.When auxiliary data has been successfully received (by the process ofwhich is described above) from the commercial sponsor of the card, thefirst light 20 a will be illuminated to indicate receipt of thecommercial during the first quarter. Such operation will continuethrough successive quarters until all lights are illuminated. The usermay then present the card to a store or point of sale operated by thecommercial sponsor to receive a prize or grand prize, depending upon theconfiguration of the card. Or, the user may be rewarded in accordancewith how many lights are illuminated. Then, the user may thereaftertender the card for value redemption, or may present it, for example, ata lottery at which the cards may identify the user's name by users, andwhere the winning card is drawn.

The store location, point of sale, or sponsor's website may includemeans for resetting the card so that it may be used again during anotherpresentation. Such means may include leaving indicia of a previous awardreception on the card, such that a user may only redeem their benefit alimited number of times or for a limited duration. The card may have acode on the back such that a redemption center can verify that thereceiver of the benefits of the card was in fact entitled to receivethem and that the card has not been modified to receive an unauthorizedbenefit.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that viewers using theinteractive cards may be induced to watch a presentation that they mightotherwise not be so inclined.

The inducement can span a series of commercials, causing users to watchpresentation after presentation, as during successive days or weeks.Also, advertisers can make a better determination as to who has beenwatching and paying attention to their commercials. When users returnthe card to the benefit redemption center, advertisers will haveknowledge of how many people actually took advantage of the promotion.The cards not only induce the viewer to watch a commercial, but alsoinduce viewers to visit a sponsor's place of business, point of sale, orInternet website at which they may receive the value indicated by thecard indicated by the lights or a code displayed by the LCD of the card.

Another example of use of the card is as follows: On a televisionbroadcast, the announcer discloses last minute air fare specialsindicating available flight times and cost. The video signals aremodulated to contained auxiliary data with flight information.

Interested users capture the auxiliary data containing their selectedflight opportunity. After receiving the data, users connect their cardto a computer with Internet access to access the airlines Internetwebsite verifying the availability, the cost, the flight information,and the restrictions and completing their purchase. If the card haswireless Internet access, the purchase can be made immediately orsubject to confirmation on the card's LCD screen. Or, users can berequired to arrive at the airport on a first come first served basis tocomplete their purchase and take their flight.

There are various incentives for a user to watch a sponsor's televisedpresentations including commercials, which include amusement orinformation of value to the user. For example, during each quarter of agame, a user would view commercials to obtain an indication ofparticipation by means of lights 20 a-20 d during the successivequarters. The user knows they can take the card to a point of saleoperated by the sponsor and receive a prize for having watched. Commonadvertising strategy for sponsors of major sport events, such as “bowl”games, is to provide a presentation during each quarter of the game.

During nationally-televised “super” events such as the well-known SuperBowl, World Series and “bowl” games, increased viewer ratings induceadvertisers to provide impressive commercials to which users will notonly pay attention but will also interact, watch, participate, and befavorably impressed by such commercials. The new cards, when used duringsuch televised presentations, offer advertising sponsors an unparalleledopportunity for promotional activity and for assuring audienceparticipation, as well as providing an exceedingly effective methodologyand device by which the percentage of successful viewer watching andproduct/service interest can be measured.

Multiple advertisers can use the new card for either the same event orfor multiple events. For example, if a commercial is presented during atelevision show relative to a first sponsor's product or service (suchas relating to automobiles) with which there is relation to a secondsponsor (such as bank providing financing for the sale of thoseautomobiles) the card may be especially adapted by its residentinstruction set to be “co-branded,” so as to respond to both sponsor'spresentations. The co-branded card may be used to provide specialinducement such as through a prize or other value upon presentation at abank, a dealer, or Internet website affiliated with or sponsoring thecommercial presentations. Many other co-branding possibilities for thecards and their usage will be evident.

FIG. 4 illustrates features of the cards 12A or 12A′, including theprovision of aiming light 24 on the face of the card. The aiming lightis preferably included on embodiments of the card where video signalsare optically received by the card, such as to indicate that the card ispositioned such that it is capable of capturing video signals emanatingfrom a display device. When button 22 is pressed while the leading edge18 of the card is generally oriented toward the display device, receivedcomposite video signals cause illumination of aiming light 24 toindicate that video signals are being received. The light illuminatesfor so long as data is being received, or for a predetermined period oftime, sufficient to indicate that the card is oriented or aimedcorrectly for a long enough time period as to enable the encoded opticalsignals to be received by the card.

Referring to FIG. 5, the internal features of cards versions 12A and12A′ are illustrated. They may be seen to include a printed circuitboard 26 having integrated circuits 28 including push-button 22 andaiming light 24, which may for example be a LED. The circuit boardincludes at an appropriate location, an optional photocell 30. Photocell30 is appropriately oriented so that it may receive light through asuitable aperture (not shown) along the upper edge 18 of the card, whichaperture may be at a location 36 as shown in FIG. 3. The circuit ispowered by one or more batteries 32 or other suitable cells, intended toprovide sufficient power for operation of the card for days, weeks,months, or years. The batteries may (alternatively or additionally) beused with other similar sources of portable power, such as solar cells.

Three lights 20 are shown present on the circuit board, and they maketake the form of LEDs. However, as will be understood from study of FIG.14 the circuit may include provision for more than three such lights.For example, it may include circuits for energizing up to nine LEDs.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment 12B of the new card devices isshown including the provision for text display in lieu of the LED signallights 20. LCD display 44 may be 16 digits, but less or more displaycapability may be provided, based on need and usage.

Card version 12B has an on-button 38 which when depressed will initiateoperation of an LCD display 44 to display a coupon, a prizenotification, or other information indicating receipt by the card ofauxiliary data. For example, display 44 may used to display a firstcoupon in a circularly linked list of offers. On-button 38 may also heldto initiate receiving video signals, or may be used for other display orcontrol purposes separately from button 22. Scroll button 40 allows auser to traverse, i.e. scroll, information retained or received by thecard, for example, the circularly linked list of offers received andstored on the card.

Expiration button 42, at any time while viewing an offer, when presseddisplays the expiration date of the coupon value and when released showsthe original offer again, or alternatively switches between thedifferent displays. Expiration button 42 may (additionally oralternatively) display the date of card's expiration, after which card12 will no longer function. Card 12 may be reused until expiration, andsuch reuse may include watching various games during a season, watchingall quarters or periods of play, and watching appropriate commercials.

As a further alternative, expiration button 42 when depressed ordepressed in conjunction with other buttons may additionally displaydata information about where the card was issued to the user, where theuser lives, a serial number, and other data that a sponsor may desire.The displayed data may also identify the card holder and may have anumber, personal identification number, or other data personal to theholder, such as residential address.

Accordingly, when the card is used at a redemption center, such as apoint of sale, Internet website, or restaurant operated by or on behalfof a sponsor, a benefit may be received by the user. Information aboutthe user, based on data stored on the card, is then made available tothe sponsor, merchant or other seller of product or service. In thatway, the sponsor, merchant or other seller of product or service maylearn about their customers, possibly adding the user's name or addressor additional information about the customer to a customer base.

Offers received by the card may be indicated not just by illuminatingthe light signals 20, but (additionally or alternatively) by textualinformation displayed on the LCD display. Auxiliary data may containoffers which includes instructions or identification of the redemptionlocation. The text may otherwise identify the product or discount orother coupon to be redeemed by the user. For example, the card may beused in a mode in which the card receives composite video signals whichtriggers preprogrammed offers that already exist in a linked list storedin the card.

After watching a commercial, auxiliary data causes the card'spreprogrammed textual information to indicate a product, discount, orother coupon available until an expiration date. The card, upon receiptof auxiliary data, retrieves the textual information and makes the offeravailable to the user. Alternatively, the textual information may bereceived by the card during use and then decoded and displayed on theLCD display as well as being added to the linked list.

The new card is useful to store multiple offers. Multiple offers can befrom the same sponsor or different sponsors. The received offers may bevalid for certain different amounts and for varying periods or dates.The cards may also be able to store previously received offers so as toindicate that a user will not be able to reuse them, as for example inthe case of a prize or other one-time benefit.

Items displayed on the LCD are coupons which provide offers, couponvalues, validation for discounts or other user benefits, such as prizemerchandise identification or location for redemption. When the card istaken by the user to a redemption site, such as to the sponsor, merchantor other seller of product or service center, items stored in the cardmay be cleared by an authorized procedure at the redemption location,but alternatively the stored items or coupons may be reused until anexpiration date. The coupons may contain the date the commercialoriginally ran, or the date the coupon was received by the card. Inother words, the auxiliary may have an encoded date stamp, or the cardmay date stamp the information received. The date information may informmerchants or sponsors of the least or most effective showings of theircommercial.

It may also be desirable to purchase items from use of the card. Thecard can store purchasing information, such as the numbers of one ormore credit cards. This can be used, for example, when a card is capableof receiving multiple offers. After such an offer is downloaded to thecard, the user connects the card to the Internet via wireless means orthrough the computer interface port. The user selects the offer, andselects to purchase the discounted item. The stored credit card andshipping information are transferred through the Internet to carry outthe transaction. The card can also store other data sufficient to makepurchases, such as debit card or online wallet service information.

FIG. 7 shows circuit features of the card of FIG. 6 without itsenclosure. Display 44 is evident, as also controls 38, 40 and 41, and apair of batteries or cells 45 are located at the right side of thecircuit board.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the card, hereafter referred toas an computer-interface card 12I having an input-output means in theform of a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association(“PCMCIA”) interface 70. PCMCIA interface 70 connects with PCMCIAconnector 72 to transmit information to and from a computer orcomputer-like device. Connections of the computer-interface card tocomputer or computer-like devises are preferably made by a PCMCIA slot,but the connection means may alternatively be other through other knownslots, connections, and ports such as Ethernet, Token Ring, infrared(“IR”), RF, Small Computer System Interface (“SCSI”), Universal SerialBus (“USB”), parallel port (“Parallel”), serial port (“Serial”), IEEE1394 FireWire (“FireWire”), S/PDIF, AES/EBU, fiber optical cable, andApple Desktop Bus (“ADB”). The card may also utilize portable datastorage, such as flash memory or mini-disc, to manually transferinformation from a card to a computer or computer-like device. The typesof connections used in various applications of the computer-interfacecard vary based on factors including cost, transfer speed, andacceptance by users and industry.

The card is preferably connected to a computer, but can also beconnected to computer-like devices or other devices capable ofprocessing information transferred from an computer-interface card.These devices may include a Portable Digital Assistant (“PDA”) or otherpalm top PCs, cell-phones, and other hand-held net-connected orcomputer-like devices. The card may alternatively have wireless Internetaccess, which allows for instant Internet transactions without utilizinga computer or computer-like device.

As in other embodiments of the card, composite video signals arepreferably received by a photocell, herein shown as a photodetector 30 aand an optical receiver circuit 30 b. The power and functionality of thecard are increased by additional RAM 51 connected to the microprocessor51. The power system of the card, comprising the battery 45 c, anoptional solar panel 45 b, and the power control 45 a adequately providethe power needed for processing and interfacing with various devices.

After the video signal is optically received by the card, the receiveddata may be sent immediately to the PCMCIA interface 70 through thePCMCIA connector 72 for discriminating on a computer, or may bediscriminating by the microprocessor 50. If the received data isprocessed on the computer, the computer may act as a discriminator,determining when auxiliary data is present and handling itappropriately. The data also may be sent back to the card for furtherprocessing, promotion, or information opportunities. When the receiveddata is not sent immediately through the PCMCIA interface 70, the datais processed as in other embodiments described herein.

Instead of or in addition to an optional visual response by LEDs or LCD44, promotional data may be available to the user upon connection of thePCMCIA interface with a computer by the PCMCIA connector 72. Suchpromotional data includes Internet website or addresses, textualinformation and code, audio, and visual files. Upon receiving the dataeither by optical detector 30 or by PCMCIA interface 70, the card maydisplay an appropriate confirmatory message on the optional LCD display44.

An example of use of the card is as follows: A store or sponsor issues acard to a child. During cartoons, or at other times when children arelikely to watch television, a program is displayed which containsmodulated video signals. The program advertises a product sold by storesor created by a sponsor. The children are instructed to use their cardto tell their parents what toy they want for their birthday, holiday, orother special occasion. After capturing the auxiliary data containinginformation or product data, the children give the card to theirparents. The parents can then connect the card to their computer withInternet access, and purchase online the toy or toys from the store,from the sponsor directly, or from a store suggested by the sponsor. Thetoy will then be shipped to the location specified on the card oronline. If the card has wireless Internet access along with the parentscredit card and shipping information, the parents can enter theirapproval code and purchase the product. Alternatively, the parents canbring the card into a store or send it in to the store or sponsor sothat the order can be processed and fulfilled. Thus, parents canpurchase the toys desired by their children with minimum time andeffort. It will be apparent that this card could alternatively be usedin a manner similar to a bridal registry, where the selected objects arenot purchased, but are instead listed online on a gift registry. Thus,people who desire to purchase toys for the child will know what theychild wants.

Another example of use of this card is as a loyalty card which storesbonus points in the memory of a card and (additionally or alternatively)at a remote location such as a central computer. The card stores bonuspoints for television shows or movies watched containing auxiliary datawith bonus point values. Shows may require the user to obtain theauxiliary data at the beginning, during, at the end, multiple timesduring the show to receive the bonus points for watching the show. Userscan receive additional bonus points by purchasing VHS or DVD movies,movie theater tickets, or merchandise. Users can receive additionalbonus points by visiting the sponsors Internet websites, and even morefor exploring their website and making online purchases. Users canreceive even more points by responding to quizzes, questions, andsurveys after television shows or movies. Users can interact by usingtheir card to select their answer, and either upload their answerthrough the Internet, or verifying their answer upon review at a store.Users can earn additional bonus points by trying out specificrestaurants related to the sponsor or, if at an amusement park, forrides and shows sponsored by the sponsor. Users can obtain even morepoints by spending nights at selected hotels (as described below). Thus,users have various opportunities to amass bonus points from many varioussources by a sponsor or groups of sponsors.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment of the card device 12 with an input outputinterface in the form of a PCMCIA interface 70 and a docking stationconnector 76 as shown. The docking station, which can contain optics,can be used to optically detect the video signal from a display device.Then either the entire video signal can be transferred to the card sothat the card can discriminate the auxiliary data, or the dockingstation itself can discriminate the auxiliary data and transmit theauxiliary data to the card. The data can be transmitted to the card byIR, RF, or by a computer interface.

The docking station can charge the battery 45 c by its battery chargingcontrol 80 as will be appreciate in the art. The docking station canimplement various card functions and advanced card functions bycontrolling the card's microprocessor 50 through the interface drive 78.

The card in FIG. 10A may be termed a camera card, as it is similar tothe other hand-held devices described herein, yet configured to simulateand suggest to the user the appearance of a small snapshot-type camera.

The camera card includes housing in the shape of a small camera, and alens or lens simulation suggesting use of the camera-like hand-helddevice just as a user would use a snapshot camera, to take a “picture”of the display device. Camera card 12C includes a simulated lens 46either imprinted, embossed, molded, or otherwise extending slightlyabove the surface of a camera-like housing 47 so as to present a morerealistic simulation of a camera lens. The data-receiving photocell,when present, collects information in the same manner as previousembodiments using optical detection, and may be located behind simulatedlens 46 or beneath a suitable aperture.

Button 48 when depressed and released simulates the shutter of a camera.Thus, it causes the card to receive either composite video signals orauxiliary data (depending upon the method as described above) until suchcollection is complete, thus the user simulates taking a snapshot orpicture.

A viewfinder 49 is provided in the form of an aperture extending throughthe housing, suggesting that a user aim at a display device through theviewfinder as they would on a real camera. The viewfinder need not haveany special accuracy or lenses, as its primary purpose is to simulatethe look and feel of a camera. The camera card will operate properlywhen the camera card surface containing photosensor 30 is orientedtoward the display device, and its orientation need not be precise inthe sense of a camera but only approximately directed toward the sourceof video signals. Photosensor 30 may be positioned behind the simulatedlens or elsewhere for suitable sensitivity to video signals emanatingfrom the television set.

Other nonfunctional decorations (not shown) may be provided with thecamera card to make further suggest to the user that they are taking apicture. Examples of such include a wrist strap attached to the camera,a camera case, an audio transducer in the circuitry of the camera cardto make a clicking sound, or a flash.

FIG. 10 b shows the reverse face or side of camera card 12C. It hascontrols and display features similar to those shown in FIG. 6. Adifference is that the enabling button 22 may be located along a topsurface or edge of the camera. Camera card 12C is intended to allowusers to better conceptualize the process of receiving composite videosignals from a television receiver. Use of the camera card may alsoprovide other unique and fun opportunities such as pretending to takepictures and receiving such offers as previously stated.

FIG. 11A is the front of another version of interactive hand-held device12 that may be termed a “racing” card 12R. On the front of this cameracard is a simulated lens 46, of a size smaller size than that of thecamera card 12C, enabling more promotional information to appear on thefront of card 12R. The promotional information may show or describe theracer or event(s) that card 12R can be used for or otherwise promoteholder usage.

FIG. 11B shows the reverse face or side of racing card 12C. It hascontrols and display features similar to those shown in FIG. 6. Adifference is that the enabling button 22 may be located along a topsurface or edge of the racing card. Racing card 12R is configured toallow users to better conceptualize the process of optically receivingcomposite video signals from a display device. The card may also provideother unique and fun opportunities to the user such as receiving drivingstatistics and various offers and information as previously stated.

FIG. 12 shows the front side, i.e., user-opposite surface, of the racingcard, with the user preparing to receive composite video signals bymeans of card 12R, and where the user is aiming the card toward adisplay device, such as television receiver or monitor, by sightingthrough the viewfinder. The card has control and display features likethose illustrated in FIG. 11B or 11A.

As the racing card is used, auxiliary data may be received which mayeither update or replace that which is stored in memory of the card.Also, as the scroll button is depressed, more data than that displayedby the LCD display may scroll across the display. For example, theracing card may have stored within its memory information about a race,a racer, or other information relative to the event. It may include, forexample, previous performances, standing of the racer, and biographicalinformation.

To provide a suggestion of the use of the card and to enhance itsattractiveness for users, especially young users, a reproduction of aracing car steering wheel and instrument grouping may appear on thesurface of the card, adjacent the LCD display, as shown.

Turning to FIG. 13, a version of hand-held device which may be termed a“sports” card 12S is shown. It includes an enclosure 12 which isprovided with a front surface 16 which may include a visual field 54 forbearing the image of a sports contestant. In addition, a LCD display 44is provided together with a button 22 which allows the user to initiateoperation of the card, preferably when oriented for optically receivingcomposite video signals, such as by holding it so that leading edge 18is generally towards a display device presenting a program related tothe sports celebrity or other person depicted on the card.

Update button 56 is pressed when user desires to obtain some currentinformation, such as the current statistics of the player depicted onthe card. In operation, the sports card may be designed to receive onlyinformation relating to the player depicted on the card, update thatplayer's statistics, or add to information about the player alreadystored in memory of the card, any of which can then be scrolled acrossdisplay 44 by pressing scroll button 40.

Use of sports card 12S is as follows: A display device near the userpresents a professional sporting event, such as a baseball game. Whenthe sporting event's participant becomes the focus of attention, such asa professional baseball player coming to bat, button 22 may be actuated.An aiming light (as described above), if present, may illuminate, orinstead LCD display 44 may initiate a readout of its newly receivedstatistics associated with the depicted player. For example, the readoutmay identify his name, his batting average, the number of home runs hit,games played, number of times at bat, and his runs batted-in average andnumber of stolen bases, with the statistics updated each time such aplayer is at bat. The statistics (alternatively or additionally) may besent to a computer through an interface (as described above).

A memory of the sports card may include such statistics in anon-volatile form by which the card is enabled to update the statisticseach time the player comes to bat. Auxiliary data associated with anat-bat occurrence received by the sports card may contain informationassociated with the player, such as his current statistics. As playcontinues, received auxiliary data may include updates for thosestatistics based upon the experience of the player at bat. Theinformation is stored in a circularly linked list of data and mayinclude various statistics from different games that the player hasplayed in, various statistics over multiple years for this player; or ifthis card is for use in watching an entire team, for instance whensponsored by the owner of the team, it may contain different informationon various members of the team.

For example, as a celebrity batter is taking his turn during a baseballgame, the television viewer directs his card at the display device toreceive composite video signals, or otherwise connects his card so hecan electrically receive the auxiliary data. In both cases, the viewerreceives real time statistics about his favorite athlete during thetelecast via his interactive sports card. The information received intothe card can take many forms including, as noted, statistics such asbatting average, home runs, or other personalized information about theplayer that is stored in the card for future reference or updating. Thestored information can then conveniently displayed on the LCD display 44for the cardholder by the push of button 40 or button 56, or otherwisetransferred through a PCMCIA computer interface port to a computer.

Because the new sports card enables users and owners to trade the cardsamong themselves, the card takes on a special value and enhances itsworth as it is used. As the card acquires data and is updated by useduring televised play, the card becomes increasingly more valuable andattractive to acquire. The sports card may be of a design resembling abaseball card and can be traded for other sports cards. In addition, thecards may be equipped to retain a permanent serial number or editionnumber, or other information giving the card unique identity or valueand thereby becoming a valuable collectible. Optionally, the card may beconnected via an interface such as IR to transfer stored information toanother card capable of receiving those results. The card can thereforebe used in rotisserie opportunities.

In addition, the card may provide capability for certain permanentcharacteristic information, such as the batter's name, team, previousteams, and other characteristics, personal data, and additional datathat may become permanent based on received statistics and information.Such characteristic information may be called to the display orotherwise received by and displayed on a computer.

The sports card can be used for coupon indicating and redemptionpurposes. During play, other information such as a trivia game or quizmay be received by the sports card where the answer will be revealedlater, such as during the course of the game, at the end of the game,during half-time, or at any other appropriate time during play. A gamemay be part of a promotion wherein a user selects the answer and purgesthe remainder of the stored data, then takes the card to a benefit storeor other redemption site during the course of the next week, and has thepossibility of receiving some kind of discount or prize based upon theanswer selected. Such a game could be part of a “guess today'sattendance” at a professional baseball game during seventh inningstretch.

Use of the sports card 12S in connection with a baseball game is merelyillustrative. Other sports in which players have statistics which changeduring play, over a year, or which may include information unique to theplayer, such as hometown or previous teams, can similarly be downloadedor conveyed by the card. The sports card may also be used in connectionwith concerts and other special presentations, when televised orappropriately presented. Card holders thus are able to acquire usefulinformation about the concert or special presentation, such as the namesof performers, set lists, the venue location and history, and relatedInternet addresses. The card can also be used to receive informationrelating to monuments, buildings, cars, animals, etc during the courseof a presentation.

An alternate version of the sports is a hand-held device that may betermed a “gaming” card. The gaming card, similarly to the sports card,encourages users to interact with video broadcasts of sport events.However, in this embodiment, users viewing a televised live sportingevent utilize their gaming card to predict future actions by a selectedplayer or team to amass points in competition with other users.

For example, two baseball teams compete in a game featuring livemodulation of auxiliary data. A sponsor or various sponsors distributegaming cards to various participants prior to the start of the game.Users predict each pitch to be thrown for selected batters, pitchers, orteams, using a number code for each pitch. Alternatively oradditionally, pitching results (i.e., balls or strikes), hitting results(i.e., strikeouts, walks, hits, homeruns, etc.), runs per inning, orother calculable statistics can be selected prior to occurrence.Correctly guessing the occurrence earns points, which accumulates in thememory of the card. Following the game, the card users can submit theircards either at a collection location or through an Internet connectionand submit or upload their scores. The user with the highest point totalwins a large prize or discount, with various consultation prizesalternatively available. The predictions can take place for oneparticular batter, in one particular inning, or for one particular team.Gaming cards can also be used in a similar manner to predict and playother events such as basketball, hockey, and football.

The hotel card 12H is yet another embodiment of the card with thefunctions of a sophisticated hotel room key. The hotel card works with asmart card reader lock system, allowing guests of a hotel to enter andexit rooms, such as a guest's hotel room, garage, or pool area. Thehotel card can allow similar access by an optional magnetic striplocated on the exterior of the enclosure.

Upon hotel check-in, guests are given a hotel card to use throughouttheir stay. Hotels and hotel chains may alternatively issue permanenthotel cards to frequent guests and initiate hotels stay with room accesson the user's card at check-in. A child's version of the hotel card canbe provided upon check-in, to allow children restricted access to hotelfacilities and special promotional benefits available only to children.

Once a guest receives the hotel card, the card can be used to enter theguest's room and other hotel facilities. The guest user can also use thehotel card as a charge card, charging products and services internally,such as dinners at the hotel's internal restaurant, gifts at a giftshop, or snacks from a vending machine. The incurred charges will berecorded on the hotel card, appearing on the user's bill at check out.

Coupons, benefits, or information can be loaded onto the hotel card atcheck-in and at other desirable times and places, such as the beginningof the each day at the hotel's front desk. Using a smart card writer,the hotel cards can be loaded with opportunities for use or redemptionover a limited amount of time. These opportunities or coupons may bediscounts for local attractions, cash equivalents such as giftcertificates for use at particular local attractions such as arestaurants, information on special pricing, or additional accessprivileges. The card may also load the guest's hotel preferences,including room type and preferred activities.

The hotel rooms may optionally provide reader/writers in the hotel carduser's room. Data is written to the smart card as a result of theelectronic decoding performed by the docking station. The dockingstation can also read the data from the card, and transmit theinformation to a central computer preferably by a network line orotherwise by a telephone line. Alternatively, the reader/writer can bein the form of a remote control, acting as a cradle when the card isproperly inserted. IR sends data back and forth to and from a networkeddocking station and remote control.

The reader/writer reads stored data off of the hotel cards, and displaysrelevant information on the television in the guest's room. Suchinformation may include the total from the purchases using the card,combined with room costs to generate the hotel bill to date. The guestcan also purchase items through use of the hotel card and anappropriately connected docking station for items such as tickets to alocal attraction or additional hotel services. An alternative means ofreading and writing to the card is through use of a computer andcomputer interface on the card, as described above.

Guests can obtain additional coupons by viewing television programsmodulated with auxiliary data. Such data may be optically receiveddirectly to the card, electronically received by the docking station, orreceived through a computer interface. The information received by thecard typically relates to special discounts as well as information aboutarea attractions. Television stations or the hotel itself can modulatedthe television signals to limit the viewers capable of receiving thesignal. Thus, only visitors having the specialized hotel cards canreceive the special discount.

The hotel cards can be used as credit cards, and optionally contain acharge limit along with information as to where the card can be used tobuy items and then charge them to the hotel room. Thus, businessesoutside of the hotel can enact purchase transactions on the hotel card,which are added to the users bill. The charge limit many optionallyvaries based on guest stay frequency, charge history, or credit history.

The hotel or other sponsor may allow the user to collect bonus points byuse of the hotel card. Permanent hotel cards store a running total ofbonus points, with optional frequent back ups of the point total to acentral computer through properly connected reader/writers.Alternatively, upon each stay the hotel card can be loaded with bonuspoints earned from previous visits and stored on a central computer.Bonus points can be awarded per stay and per night, or based on otherpurchases made with the hotel card. Additional bonus points may beearned by visiting local attractions. Bonus points may be redeemed for agift, discounts, free meals, room upgrades, a free night's stay, orconverted to airline frequent flyer miles.

Agreements with local attractions provide additional means for useradvertising. Indicia of various agreements and sponsorships may bevisible on enclosure 14 of card 12. Various offers and information onattractions may be encoded on hotel card 12. All purchase transactionsare logged, and the appropriate charges occur when the guests checksout. The hotel can charge a flat fee or percentage for these promotionalactivities.

Guests have incentives to use their hotel card 12 and visit attractionsencouraged by card 12. Guests eat at a suggested local restaurant,receiving a discount on the meal, paying by the use of hotel card 12,and receiving bonus points. For example, a local restaurant may have abuy one get one free coupon loaded on to card 12, so the guest is morelikely to go to that restaurant than a competitor without a coupon. Theguest can then visit a major attraction and get bonus points for varioussuggested activities that they do or items that they buy, for which thepurchases can be made through hotel card 12. Attractions that wish tohonor hotel card promotions should have a reader/writer and a dial-up ornetwork connection to the central computer if a purchase is possible atthe attraction. However, accumulating bonus points can be performed bysimple write transactions on the card, so that the points are stored onthe card and are not immediately transferred to the hotel's computer.

At checkout time, the guest's account is cleared out and paid. Guests,if desired, can have an “express check out” such that they do not needto sign a bill, but simply swipe their hotel card across a reader with aconnection to the billing center. The hotel card is either returned tothe hotel for resetting for future clientele, is disposable, or is madeinoperable until the guest's future check-in. Before clearing the card,bonus points and information regarding purchases and uses may be storedin the hotel's computer. On the next stay, the user's bonus points willagain be accessible. Alternatively, a third party or clearinghouse mayset up the coupons and distribute the cards. The hotel would then get apercentage of the overall value of the transactions or a salescommission.

Interactive cards specially configured for conventioneers (or conferenceattendees) may be termed a “convention” card. Convention cards permitconventioneers to capture information about various demonstrators andcompanies by viewing various booths or video presentations and capturinginformation or opportunities to the card. Information is captured fromthe reception of auxiliary data, as is described above. If thedemonstrators so desire, the conventioneers may receive coupons on theirconvention card for discounts or free gifts from visiting thedemonstrators' booths. The coupons are redeemed by visiting thedemonstrator's store or Internet website.

Another valuable manner in which the cards may be used is to receiveauxiliary data at a convention, show, or other any other type of specialevent, and then offering users opportunities to receive usefulinformation at the special event. For example, a user may watch a videopresentation in a convenient location, such as a hotel room, about anupcoming convention. The presentation may show booths, locations orspecial offers at the convention. As the user sees one of these booths,locations or special offers, the user selectively uses the card, bypressing its operating button 22 or equivalently initiating control, tocause the card to receive auxiliary data (as described above) whichidentify these booths, locations or special offers. Then, the user mayvisit the convention premises, operating the scroll button of the cardto display the booths, locations, or special offers conveniently andhelpfully as the user goes about the convention.

The convention cards may be presented to the conventioneers with theirname and address preloaded, so that the cards can be conveniently readat each convention booth by card readers. The convention cards can alsoprovide conventioneer information to the sponsor when used at theirstore or Internet website.

Before or during the convention, conventioneers can watch television intheir hotels rooms or in a common area to learn about the companies thatwill be presenting or have booths at the convention. The conventioneerscan selectively receive information or coupons from the demonstrators byoptical and electrical methods. Thus, users can receive information suchas booth numbers and locations, and as well as opportunities fordiscounts that can be used during the convention.

Another embodiment of the convention card can be referred to as the“museum” card. The museum card allows visitors to track areas orexhibits at a museum. Embodiments of the card may have LEDs, to signifyreceipt of auxiliary data from any of the sources described above. Sucha device used by a school teacher to verify that students have visitedspecific exhibits at a museum or museums that have video demonstrationsor otherwise send data through RF.

The museum cards may have an optional LCD display to further direct thecard's user. The user is therefore provide with instructions on thelocation of the next exhibit, time left in the museum before closing orbefore user's groups departing, redeemable coupons for the museum's giftshop, or other information relevant to the exhibit or museum.

The museum card is usable at a series of locations, such that usersobtain indicia or information from each location. The card can be usedin activities such as “scavenger hunt”, where users must obtain theproper information or indicia from each location to win or complete agame or activity.

In FIG. 14 a schematic circuit diagram of one form of circuitry that canbe used to provide the features and functions of the several embodimentsdescribed herein, elements are identified by their conventionalnumerology conventional characters proximate of the elements.Photosensor 30 is seen to be constituted by a photodiode orphototransistor Q2 which provides the signal to amplification and filtercircuit consisting of an operational amplifier U1A including a circuitconsisting of the components of C1, R19, R18 and C12 interconnectedbetween the output and the inverting input of operational amplifier U1A,and so providing an amplifier and filter. Thus amplifier and filtersignal is provided through R15 to a filter and frequency shaping circuitcomprising of an operation amplifier U1B having in its feedback circuitthe components C10, C11 and R16. These circuits provide a filtered,frequency-shaped output through a resistor R5 through a circuitconsisting of operational amplifier U1C and resistor R11. Operationalamplifier U1C has an output coupled to a diode pair D11 which thusprovides a pair of outputs, the upper to a circuit comprising anoperational amplifier U1D, providing in effect a buffer whose output isa data signal delivered through a resistor R20, and the lower of thediodes D11 providing a signal through a resistor R1 to a furtherresistor R7, across which is a capacitor C3. The node between resistorsR1 and R7 provides 16 kHz signal that is of the horizontal line scanrate or frequency television display optical signals received byphotosensor 30 (Q2). The horizontal scan frequency of conventional NTSCcolor signals is, more precisely, 15.625 kHz. (approximately 16 kHz, ashere described). Similarly, the discriminator circuitry provides at theoutput of operational amplifier U1D an 8 kHz signal representative ofthe auxiliary data received, as produced by alternate-line luminancemodulation of the display. The discriminator circuit thus describedprovides both the 16 kHz and 8 kHz (more precisely, 7.8175 kHz), whichconstitutes the actual data, and determines whether the 8 kHz datacarrying the information (data) content of the received auxiliary datais present by determining whether average signal magnitude of the 16 kHzor 8 kHz signals is greater, so that if auxiliary data is present, i.e.,there is 8 kHz modulation energy in the received light signals, they areprovided to a microprocessor of the U2 of the circuit for decoding theinformation content within the 8 kHz signal. Thus, the receivedcomposite video signal is amplified and filtered to de-emphasize the 16kHz signal and retrieve the 8 kHz signal carrying the data. I.e., waveshaping and frequency shaping filter circuits provided by operationalamplifiers U1A & U1B de-emphasize the horizontal retrace frequency andamplify the half-frame rate carrying the data content of interest. Thecircuits filter the frame rate signal and use it as a reference tocompare its relative signal magnitude against the 8 kHz data-carryingsignal. If the retrieved 8 kHz signal is of greater magnitude than theconditioned 16 kHz signal, auxiliary data is present and may be utilizedby the processor. Microprocessor U2 is preferably of commerciallyavailable type Z86E02, and operates according to machine instructionsstored in its resident ROM memory. Flowcharts of the functions performedby the machine instructions are set forth in the appendix. Although notseparately shown microprocessor U8 includes random-access memory (RAM orDRAM) in which decoded data is stored. Thus, microprocessor U2 is todecode and store, or store indication of, the data present in the 8 kHzsignal, as by illuminating one of more of the LEDs and causing them toremain on as evidence or indication of the data, substantially inaccordance with the teachings of Broughton, and to drive displays of thecard and/or its LEDs or other signal devices, as well as to provide anyaudio function, as well as also to energize an aiming LED7 whenauxiliary data is present. So also, if desired, a signal may be drivenby U1 in response to the presence of the auxiliary data, thus providingan aiming light function indicating, in simple effect, that thehand-held device is receiving composite video signals.

For providing illumination of lights 20 or 20 a-20 d described above inconnection with the various embodiments, shown here are nine LEDsD9-D18. It will be understood that not all of these LEDs need be usedfor a specific embodiment of the card. That is, the circuit may beconfigured so as to drive one, two or three or more of the LEDs asaccording to the desired function and use of the card.

Shown adjacent microprocessor U2 are two diodes D15 and D20 which areused to bypass any noise generated from the microprocessor. The speakerSPK1 is element 34 shown in FIG. 5. A clock crystal XTAL1 provides 8 MHzclock signal to microprocessor U2. Capacitors C8 and C9 are part of theclock circuit.

Immediately adjacent the clock circuit is a switch S1 to provide thefunction of button 22 in the several embodiments for initiatingoperation of the card. Switch S1 is tied to a power supply circuitcomprising power cells a resistor 14, V2 and V3 (each of 1.5 vpotential), and a resistor 14, and including a switched analog powercircuit comprising a transistor Q1 and resistors 12 and 13 which enablepower to be provided to the array of LEDs D8-D18.

Referring to FIG. 14 there is FIG. 15 another version of circuitryinvention is shown which may be used to provide still other embodimentsof the optical cards or devices of the invention. It includes amicroprocessor U2 which may of commercially available type Z86X08. It issimilarly provided with 8 kHz and 16 kHz signals (more precisely 15.635kHz and 7.8175 kHz) which respectively constitute the horizontal retracesignal and the data signal at half of that frequency, since theauxiliary data encoded on alternate horizontal lines and so iseffectively present at only half the horizontal scan rate, as explainedabove. These signals are identified as VEILA and VEIL REF that areprovided as inputs to microprocessor U2. Therefore, it will beunderstood that operational amplifier circuits consisting of operationalamplifiers U1A, U1B, U1C and U1D provide the same functions ofamplification, filtration, frequency shaping and discrimination, as wellas buffer circuits described in FIG. 14. The microprocessor, clocked bycrystal X1 at 8 MHz, decodes the data provided by the composite videosignal, stores it in internal RAM or DRAM and drives an LCD displayillustrated as circuit component LCD1 which may be, as shown, a16-character by 2-line display. It may instead be a 12-character by3-line display, for example, or other format appropriate for the displaymessage to be presented at the surface of the card.

Power for the circuit is provided by two cells BT1 and BT2 of 3 voltpotential to a circuit including Q2 to provide not only main power byauxiliary power, the later being delivered to the microprocessor formaintaining its continued operation, such as for date and time keepingeven when the display is not being operated. A switch S1 is provided forperforming the function of Button 38 (as shown in FIG. 6) in the severalembodiments and, when pressed, enables power to be provided to the LCD1and other switching functions may be provided by switches S2, whichcontrols scrolling of the LCD display, and switch S2 may be actuated bybutton 40 shown in FIG. 10B. Similarly a switch S3 provides a datefunction that may be actuated by button 42 shown in FIG. 10B. Thesesignals control inputs to operational amplifiers U3A and U3D,respectively, and these are provided as inputs to the operationalamplifier and also to LCD1. The clear switch will, when operated asdescribed above clause clearing of the date, and the scroll switchenables the user to cause the message across the LCD display, such asthat indicated at 44 in FIG. 6. Operational amplifiers U3C and U3Bprovide voltages useful according to the connection illustrated.

The circuit embodiments shown are used in conjunction with a method forproducing a composite video signal containing video program material andcontrol data, and displaying the signal on a television and decodingsuch control data for ancillary use, wherein the method includesmodulating at least one video field within the viewing area of atelevision in such manner that the modulation is substantially invisibleto the television viewer, thereby producing a video subcarrier componentof the signal (which is as indicated detectable at an 8 kHz rate)containing the data; and detecting the component to reproduce the datafor the ancillary use. Although luminance modulation is particularlyuseful for that purpose when using smart cards in accordance with theinvention, chrominance modulation may instead be employed as accordingto Broughton et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,031. Various modulation (andcorresponding modulation) schemes may be employed as alternatives,including (but not limited to) amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequencyshift keying (FSK) modified frequency shift keying (MFSK), and phaseshift keying (PSK). And although the substantially 8 kHz data-carryingsubmodulation is at half the NTSC horizontal scan rate, othersubmodulation techniques may be used at other multiples or submultiplesor other periodic rates which are other functions of the horizontal scan(retrace) rate.

Another possible embodiment of the interactive optical cards, designated12F, has discriminator and microprocessor circuits 50 which are inaccordance with FIG. 14 or 15, and receives composite video signals byphotosensor 30 so as to decode the auxiliary data and provide eitherlight signals as described above, or, more preferably, to drive LCDdisplay 44 according to the foregoing description. Thus, it includes anupdate or initiating button 22, as according to the sports card version12S. In addition, an FM receiver 62 and associated antenna 64 may beprovided as a surface-mount module added to the printed circuit board ofthe card. FM receiver 62 and associated antenna 64 may be ofcommercially available design, suitable for being powered by the samebattery or cells (not shown) provided in accordance with the foregoingdescription of various embodiments. Control button 66 may optionallyinitiate operation of FM receiver 52 so that it sends FM-demodulatedsignals to the discriminator and microprocessor circuits 60 that may beconfigured to respond accordingly either to photosensor 30 or to FMreceiver 62 according to whether button 56 is pressed.

Card version 12F may be sports card operating otherwise according toversion 12S described in relation to FIG. 13, but the addition of FMreceiver 62 gives the new card the capability of being used in sportsstadiums and other performance venues where video signals are notavailable. In the case of a sports card according to FIG. 13, the usermay as described above receive statistics about a player depicted on thecard, or about a player at bat. According to a preferred method of usingcard 12F, the same auxiliary information as would be transmitted via atelevision broadcast for being received on a television display 10,there to be displayed as composite video signals, is in additiontransmitted by low-power FM signals in the FM broadcast band of 88-108MHz. For this purpose, FM receiver 62 may be pretuned to an appropriatefrequency for such low-power signals. The FM signals may include batterstatistics, for example, as batters come to bat, so that holders of thenew cards 12F may update their cards as their preferred batters come tobat.

The new cards or card-like devices may have use in various sportsevents, entertainment presentation, conventions, museums, tours, andguided events at which holders of cards might not conveniently use themwhile in the presence of a television display carrying auxiliary data,but where the location in which the cards will be used will permitlow-power FM signals. Other commercially significant usages of the cardsof FIG. 14 can be made, similar to the methods of using the previouslydescribed versions. Similarly, devices of the invention can be adaptedto receive AM signals, or auxiliary light signals such as IR (infrared)light signals, different from the composite video signals.

Similarly, hand-held devices of the invention, whether or not sized as“cards” in the sense of being like a credit card, wallet card or otherconveniently hand-held size, and whether in the form of camera cards,racing cards, may simulate other objects, vehicles, personalities, ordevices for house-hold, personal or business use, so as to provide averisimilitude or facsimile representation of such devices or usages, sothat the hand-held device suggests to the user the manner of its use, orconveys to the users special feeling, sense, identity or associationwith a field, activity, sport, entertainment or other use of the deviceit represents. In games, for example, in which some or all of theinformation content useful in the game can be provided by auxiliarydata, hand-held devices of the invention configured to provide averisimilitude or facsimile representation of such devices or usages maygive players of the game enhanced sense of play, participation or gamingidentity. The foregoing are merely illustrative of the manypossibilities.

When used in a system for deriving benefit from encoded data includingmeans for producing video signals modulated with auxiliary data, such asby providing commercially sponsored television programming includingauxiliary data, new cards of the invention have special impact fortelevision response, advertising and promotions, as the new system anddevices are useful in providing, among others, the followingcommercially advantageous results when they are distributed to viewersand used by viewers to receive auxiliary data transmitted with normalprogramming content, which may include advertising, promotions and othersponsored transmission.

The present system and hand-held devices useful in the system may be forthese purposes distributed by various business entities, which mayinclude not only the sponsor of a program, event, or other sponsoredtransmission, but may also include various businesses, services andorganizations having commercial relationships with the sponsor.

Viewer use of new devices of the invention accordingly providecommercially advantageous results relating to television advertising,promotions and other sponsored transmissions, wherein new system anddevices and their use is effective to:

-   -   Attract viewer attention to advertising, promotions and other        sponsored transmissions    -   Effectively increase awareness and retention of message and        product    -   Induce viewers to respond and take action after viewing to        sponsored transmissions    -   Differentiate a sponsor's product or service from those of        competitors.    -   Stimulate viewers to desire to watch advertising, promotions and        transmissions.    -   Provide a novel, cost-effective, brand efficient, and enjoyable        medium for enhancing advertising, promotions and other        transmissions    -   Cause advertising, promotions and transmissions to take on        special event significance    -   Build customer traffic in places of business or points of sale        associated with sponsors of advertising, promotions and other        transmissions    -   Increase consumer loyalty to sponsors of advertising, promotions        and transmissions    -   Increase viewer involvement in sponsored advertising, promotions        and transmissions    -   Cause viewer retention of sponsor identity and advertising or        promotional content    -   Enhance sales volume resulting from the sponsorship of        advertising, promotions and transmissions    -   Provide lasting value to sponsored advertising, promotions and        transmissions    -   Provide enhanced viewer/spectator involvement in sporting and        racing events    -   Afford viewers of television programming an opportunity to        interact meaningfully with programming content and with        advertising, promotions and transmissions.    -   Enhance viewer good-will relative to advertising, promotions and        events.    -   Cause development of still other opportunities for interactive        use of the cards.

In view of the foregoing description of the present invention andpractical embodiments it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantages are attained. Theembodiments and examples were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated.

As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methodsherein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of theinvention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoingdescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative rather than limiting.

The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

1. A method comprising: optically receiving a first portion of a visualrepresentation of a video signal on a portable electronic device;decoding on the portable electronic device the first portion toreproduce a first auxiliary data portion contained within the firstportion, the first auxiliary data portion being modulated in an activeportion of the first portion of the video signal, the active portionbeing included in the visual representation; determining whether thefirst auxiliary data matches at least a first portion of stored data onthe portable electronic device to identify a first data match, thestored data being stored on the portable electronic device prior to thereceiving of the first portion; and illuminating a first light-emittingdevice on the portable electronic device when the first data match wasidentified.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: opticallyreceiving a second portion of the visual representation of the videosignal on the portable electronic device, the second portion of thevideo optically received after the first portion; decoding on theportable electronic device the second portion to reproduce a secondauxiliary data portion contained within the second portion, the secondauxiliary data portion being modulated in the active portion of thesecond portion of the video signal; determining whether the secondauxiliary data matches at least a second portion of stored data on theportable electronic device to identify a second data match; andilluminating a second light-emitting device on the portable electronicdevice when the second data match was identified, wherein the firstlight-emitting device and the second light-emitting device aresequentially illuminated on the portable electronic device based on theilluminating of the first light-emitting device and the illuminating ofthe second light-emitting device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst portion is optically received from a display device, and whereinthe first auxiliary data portion is at least substantially transparentwithin the visual representation.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theilluminating of the first light-emitting device provides arepresentation of a value available for redemption by use of theportable electronic device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the storeddata is stored in read only memory of the portable electronic device. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device ispreconfigured with the stored data prior to the receiving of the firstportion.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the video signal is an analogvideo signal.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the video signal is adigital video signal.
 9. A method comprising: optically receiving avisual representation of a video signal on a portable electronic device;decoding on the portable electronic device auxiliary data, the auxiliarydata including sporting event information and being modulated in anactive portion of the video signal, the active portion being included inthe visual representation; determining whether at least a portion of theauxiliary data matches at least a portion of stored data on the portableelectronic device to identify a data match, the stored data being storedon the portable electronic device prior to the decoding of the portableelectronic device auxiliary data; and displaying at least a portion ofthe sporting event information on a visual display of the portableelectronic device based on identification of the data match.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the visual representation is opticallyreceived from a display device, and wherein the auxiliary data is atleast substantially invisible within the visual representation.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising: storing the portion of thesporting event information on the portable electronic device.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising: transmitting the portion of thesporting event information to a computing device.
 13. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising: receiving an action prediction from a useron the portable electronic device, the action prediction associated withsporting event information; determining whether an action associatedwith the action prediction occurred in the sporting event based on thedecoding of the portable electronic device auxiliary data.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: transmitting a result of anaction predication determination to a computing device.
 15. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions, whichwhen executed by one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform the following operations: optically receive afirst portion of a visual representation of a video signal on a portableelectronic device; decode on the portable electronic device the firstportion to reproduce a first auxiliary data portion contained within thefirst portion, the first auxiliary data portion being modulated in anactive portion of the first portion of the video signal, the activeportion being included in the visual representation; determine whetherthe first auxiliary data matches at least a first portion of stored dataon the portable electronic device to identify a first data match, thestored data being stored on the portable electronic device prior to thereceiving of the first portion; and illuminate a first light-emittingdevice on the portable electronic device when the first data match wasidentified.
 16. The medium of claim 15, comprising instructions todigitally decode on the portable electronic device.
 17. The medium ofclaim 15, comprising instructions to optically receive the first portionfrom a display device, and wherein the first auxiliary data portion isat least substantially transparent within the visual representation. 18.The medium of claim 15, wherein the illuminate instruction is to providea representation of a value available for redemption by use of theportable electronic device.
 19. The medium of claim 15, wherein thevalue is an airline flight purchase.
 20. The medium of claim 15,comprising instructions to digitally store the stored data in a memoryof the portable electronic device.
 21. The medium of claim 15, whereinthe illuminate instruction is to illuminate a display.
 22. The medium ofclaim 15, comprising instructions to receive radio transmissions. 23.The medium of claim 15, comprising instructions to interact with acomputing device.